AU founded the Latin American and Latino Studies Center on Jan. 4 to draw on scholars both inside and outside of the university for high-level research, said Program Coordinator Annie Gillman.
This Center is the only one of its kind in D.C., as no other program focuses on Latino studies of people and cultures. AU’s program is one of only a few centers in the country that combines both Latin American and Latino studies. Latinos are Latin Americans in the United States, according to Gillman.
“You have to understand Latin America in order to understand Latinos,” Gillman said.
Gillman called the Center a “meeting place” for different activities relating to Latin America and Latinos that will “reach out and generate research materials.” She said the Center would work with the surrounding Latino community on policy and research projects in making sure the university is connected with the Latino community beyond campus.
The Center will focus on issues like inequalities, justice and democracy, culture and creativity, peace and diplomacy in Latin America and the United States.
The Center will submit a $1.5 million grant application today that would allow for 10 Latin American studies fellowships, according to Gillman. Graduate students are already working with the Center and federal work-study students are needed.
“Students are always welcomed to be involved,” she said.
AU is applying for this $280,000-per-year grant, one of 16 offered throughout the country. The grant would support new courses and professors, but it is only for Latin American studies, not for Latino studies.
Other projects in the works and actively seeking funding include the study of religion in Latino communities and the effect of U.S. evangelism in Latin America.
The Center will not develop a new degree program. AU currently has a major in Language and Area Studies, with a focus on Latin America.
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